Federal Emergency Management Agency officials visited Athens County yesterday to help city officials apply for federal and state aid to pay for damage from a February snowstorm.
Local governments and private non-profit organizations have until May 3 to request assistance for the costs of removing debris and snow. They can also ask for funds that would be used to repair roads, bridges, buildings and other permanent structures that were damaged by the storm that began Feb. 14, said Laura Adcock, deputy public assistance officer for the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.
Funds can be given to reimburse officials for emergency work and protective measures, but only the cost of equipment and overtime labor will be reimbursed. Because this type of work already has been completed, Adcock said aid should come quickly.
If officials receive assistance in order to repair roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings and public utilities and other permanent works, construction on these projects must be completed within 18 months after the declared emergency date.
Extensions of up to 30 months can be granted for permanent work projects.
If applicants are not happy with the amount of aid received, they have 60 days to appeal the decision.
Adcock said 75 percent of the funds will come from FEMA, the other 25 percent from the Ohio EMA.
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Jeffrey Fitzwater
